Zespri kiwifruit sales in Asia are underway, and the first shipment of fruit arrived in Europe earlier this week, according to a newsletter from the New Zealand kiwifruit marketer.
The season is slightly earlier than last year, and has been receiving good feedback from buyers and consumers across Asia and Europe.
“We have fruit in volume in many markets ahead of Chile. This strong start positions us well for what will be another record year,” said Zespri CEO Lain Jager.
China is a high point this year for the company, with the first shipment to the country selling well and export volumes four times higher than the same period last season.
Hong Kong, South East Asia and Taiwan have also taken double the amount of fruit they did this time last year.
“Feedback from our customers shows there is a good level of anticipation about our fruit arriving on the shelves,” said Asian regional marketing manager Kelvin Bezuidenhout. “The key to our success this year will be consumer uptake and repeat purchase.”
Japanese sales will have to content with a large volume of domestic green kiwifruit still on the market, however.
“We have prepared our marketing campaigns such as promotional material, roadshow sampling and television commercials to coincide with the first arrivals in an effort to boost consumer demand,” said Japan deputy general manager Chikao Ebihara.
Promotions in Europe are also aiming at pushing up demand – advertising campaigns with be tailor made for each country and rolled out ahead of kiwifruit arrival.
No comments yet